A CLIFFTOP fire that started during the Bournemouth Air Festival is believed to have been started deliberately. 

Firefighters were called to Southbourne’s seafront cliffs off Boscombe Overcliff Drive on the evening of Thursday, August 29. 

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen as far as Burley in the New Forest and Purbeck according to some readers, but the fire was put out so quickly that it didn’t disrupt Night Air from starting on time. 

An area of heathland, bushes and trees measuring approximately 150m by 200m was destroyed by the flames. 

Providing an update, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue’s spokeswoman said firefighters now believe the fire was started deliberately. 

Dorset Police’s spokeswoman said no arrests have been made in relation to the fire. 

Brenda Lillywhite was sitting outside waiting for the Night Air show to start when she spotted the “heavy” smoke enveloping the sky. 

Fire engines from Springbourne, Christchurch, Westbourne, Redhill Park and Poole along with Poole’s water carrier all attended.